Commuting in Belgian metropolitan areas: The power of the Alonso-Muth model

Ann Verhetsel; Isabelle Thomas; Marjan Beelen

doi:10.5198/jtlu.v2i3.19

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Published

2010-01-25

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2009)

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Articles

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How to Cite

Verhetsel, A., Thomas, I., & Beelen, M. (2010). Commuting in Belgian metropolitan areas: The power of the Alonso-Muth model. Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.5198/jtlu.v2i3.19

Commuting in Belgian metropolitan areas: The power of the Alonso-Muth model

Ann Verhetsel

Isabelle Thomas

Marjan Beelen

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5198/jtlu.v2i3.19

Keywords: commuting, urban models, regional economics, Belgium.

Abstract

In order to understand patterns of urban commuter flows, insight is required into urban spatial structure (and vice versa). The present contribution first provides a concise overview of the theoretical perspectives from which economists and geographers approach commuting issues. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the classical spatial-economic urban models and how they explain commuter movements. We conduct a number of cluster analyses from which we are able to derive a commuting typology of city region areas. We conclude that distance (which also comprises journey time and proximity of traffic infrastructure), housing characteristics, housing environment, and income continue to play key roles in commuting patterns in the metropolitan areas under consideration.

Author Biographies

Ann Verhetsel

University of Antwerp - Faculty of Applied Economics - Department of Transport and Regional Economics

Isabelle Thomas

Directeur de recherches au F.N.R.S. et Professeur à l'U.C.L. Département de Géographie et C.O.R.E.

Marjan Beelen

University of Antwerp - Faculty of Applied Economics - Department of Transport and Regional Economics